Nate Berkus is mourning the loss of his father Michael Berkus, who died of brain cancer at 69 on Nov. 20, Us Weekly reported. The 44-year-old interior designer honored his father with an emotional Instagram post, calling Michael "the most generous and funny man."
In the post, Nate revealed that his father was the only one who could help him shake off his nerves on the day he married Rachel Zoe's former assistant Jeremiah Brent, who he had been dating for nearly two years prior. The couple are now proud parents to a daughter, Poppy, born in March, via a surrogate.
"Last week my father, Michael Berkus, lost a short-lived battle with brain cancer," he wrote. "He was the most generous and funny man and my stepmother and brothers are devastated. This picture of us was taken at my wedding to @jeremiahbrent in May 2014, he was the only one who could make me laugh when I was as nervous as I was on that special day."
According to Pioneer Press Orbituary, Nate's father passed away at his home in Villa Park, Calif., surrounded by his sons and wife. The publication noted that Michael was known for his sense of humor and generosity and "will be missed by all who knew him."
Michael was the founder of the National Sports Collectors Convention and was often recognized for his expertise in the industry. Michael is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sher Berkus, his sister Vicky, and six sons. He was also a grandfather of six.
A photo posted by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus) on Nov 27, 2015 at 11:12am PST
